Chapter 1075: Sweet Scent and Fennekin

Rainbow-colored lights lit up the arena as the two Pokémon underwent significant transformations. Mega Lucario stood tall and imposing, immediately adopting a battle stance after its evolution. Meanwhile, Mega Venusaur's flower on its back grew even more vibrant, releasing a sweet and intoxicating fragrance that entranced everyone present.

"Well then, let the battle begin!" Professor Sycamore announced excitedly.

As soon as the battle command was given, Lucario used Extreme Speed to dash towards Venusaur. Yuga quickly responded, "Venusaur, don't let it get close." Allowing a Fighting-type Pokémon to engage in close combat would be disastrous.

"Vine Whip!"

Venusaur let out a confident cry as thick green vines extended from beneath the leaves on its back, lashing out at the charging Mega Lucario.

However, Lucario's movements were incredibly agile, and with the boost from Extreme Speed, it became faster and faster, easily dodging all of Venusaur's Vine Whips.

As Mega Lucario drew closer to Venusaur, Yuga suddenly called out, "Venusaur, use Sleep Powder!"

A large cloud of dark yellow powder sprayed from the flower on Mega Venusaur's back, drifting towards Mega Lucario.

Seeing this, Lucario quickly leaped back to distance itself from Venusaur. However, before leaving, it hurled an Aura Sphere into the cloud of Sleep Powder, striking Mega Venusaur squarely and causing it to cry out in pain.

Taking advantage of the Sleep Powder's cover, Mega Venusaur used Grassy Terrain. A small grassy field appeared around it, perfectly covering the ground beneath Mega Venusaur.

Green energy surged through the grassy terrain, and the damage Venusaur had sustained from the Aura Sphere quickly vanished.

With its high defense and resistance to Fighting-type moves, Mega Venusaur wasn't too concerned about a couple of Aura Spheres.

As the Sleep Powder gradually dissipated, Mega Venusaur's form reappeared. Gurkinn, observing the grassy terrain beneath Venusaur and its now healed wound, frowned deeply.

"This is going to be troublesome!" Gurkinn muttered.

If you were to ask Gurkinn which type of Pokémon he disliked the most, it would definitely be those adept at defensive and attrition-based battles. As a Fighting-type trainer, he preferred head-to-head, hard-hitting battles.

Fighting-type Pokémon, like Fire-types, generally have high burst power and output, but they struggle in drawn-out battles.

"Lucario, use Extreme Speed and keep moving!"

Following Gurkinn's command, Mega Lucario immediately began running circles around Mega Venusaur, looking for an opportunity to get close. Each time it used Extreme Speed, its speed increased dramatically. Before long, Venusaur's eyes could no longer keep up with Mega Lucario's movements.

"Venusaur, use Sweet Scent." Watching the afterimages left by Mega Lucario on the field, Yuga remained unfazed. This wasn't the first time he had encountered such a situation. When dealing with high-speed Pokémon, both Venusaur and Bellossom had excellent countermeasures.

As soon as Yuga gave the command, a dreamy pink fragrance began to emanate from the flower on Mega Venusaur's back, quickly filling the arena. The sweet and enchanting aroma seemed to entice everyone, making it impossible to resist stopping and indulging in it.

As the scent filled his nostrils, Gurkinn suddenly felt his mind begin to relax, his thoughts slowing down. Realizing something was wrong, he shook his head, trying to stay alert.

"Lucario, stay vigilant! Don't breathe in that scent!"

But Gurkinn's warning came too late. Mesmerized by the fragrance, Mega Lucario's movements grew slower and slower, eventually slowing from a run to a walk as the scent began to control its actions.

Professor Sycamore, watching from the sidelines, was so shocked by the Sweet Scent's effect that his mouth hung open, even forgetting to lift his camera for a picture.

In truth, Yuga's Venusaur originally didn't have such a potent Sweet Scent. Among Yuga's main Pokémon, the one most skilled in this move was Bellossom.

Although Pokémon can learn many moves, each one has its own specialties based on its conditions and talents. For example, Decidueye excels in Spirit Shackle, and Serperior in Leaf Storm... Furthermore, a Pokémon's limited energy restricts its ability to master all moves.

Bellossom's specialties include the extreme Quiver Dance under Grassy Terrain, and, of course, Sweet Scent.

Bellossom's Sweet Scent is very refreshing, appealing to both people and Pokémon alike, making them willingly fall under its control.

However, Bellossom's Sweet Scent only has a mild hypnotic effect. Those affected by it may slow down their movements out of affection, but the influence is easy to break free from.

Venusaur's Sweet Scent, on the other hand, is different. It entices enemies, much like a Venus flytrap luring insects to their doom.

Venusaur's core abilities are Grassy Terrain and Frenzy Plant, which together form a potent recovery and defensive strategy, supplemented by Sunny Day and Synthesis. Combined with Venusaur's naturally high defense, this makes it a formidable opponent in battles of attrition, with Sweet Scent being just an ancillary move.

However, when Venusaur broke through to the Elite level, it seemed to have been influenced by Florges, causing the flower on its back to undergo a mysterious transformation. The scent it now emits has the power to captivate the mind.

Venusaur's fragrance isn't particularly pleasant. Unlike Bellossom's fresh aroma, Venusaur's scent is overwhelmingly sweet. Inhaling too much can make one feel sick, almost to the point of nausea.

Perhaps due to its Poison typing, this overly sweet scent possesses hallucinogenic properties. Even if it makes you want to gag, you can't help but keep smelling it, and the more you do, the foggier your mind becomes.

Thanks to this unique Sweet Scent, Venusaur's ability to control opponents has greatly increased.

Although Venusaur knows Sleep Powder, it's less practical in battle. The powder is produced in small quantities, making it hard to spread across the entire field. Flying-type Pokémon can easily disperse it with a simple move.

Moreover, Sleep Powder is heavy, causing it to settle quickly and lose its effect once it hits the ground. In contrast, Sweet Scent can linger in the arena, infiltrating your senses whether you want it to or not.

It was because of this powerful Sweet Scent that Yuga dared to send out Venusaur, despite the disadvantage in type, level, and aptitude.

At this moment, under the hallucinogenic effects of Venusaur's Sweet Scent, Mega Lucario lost the ability to think, passively sniffing the faint pink mist in the air.

Seeing this, Gurkinn grew increasingly anxious. "Lucario, snap out of it! Wake up!"

However, Mega Lucario did not respond to Gurkinn's voice. Instead, it wandered towards the Mega Venusaur, confused by the scent of the flowers, like a moth flying towards a candle.

Seeing this, Yuga said to Venusaur, "Venusaur, use Frenzy Plant!"

As Yuga's command was issued, the ground began to rumble. Brown roots burst out from the soil under Mega Venusaur's control and quickly wrapped around Mega Lucario.

"Lucario, wake up!" Gurkinn continued to try to rouse Mega Lucario.

Crack, crack…

The Frenzy Plant tightened its grip, and Mega Lucario emitted bone-crunching sounds as the pain intensified. The once-dazed look on Mega Lucario's face began to change. Its brows furrowed, its mouth was tightly clenched, and it groaned in agony.

"Lucario..." Gurkinn instinctively tightened the Keystone in his hand, gently calling out to Mega Lucario.

Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution are usually in sync with their trainers. At this moment, whether Mega Lucario heard Gurkinn's call or the pain reached its limit, it suddenly opened its eyes.

"Roar!!!"

Mega Lucario let out a roar as waves of blue Aura energy erupted from it, causing the roots that bound it to snap one by one.

"Puff, puff..."

Mega Lucario knelt on the ground, panting heavily. Although it had escaped from Venusaur's Frenzy Plant, it had expended a lot of energy. If not for resisting Grass-type moves, it would have already fallen under the Frenzy Plant.

Seeing that Mega Lucario had broken free from Venusaur's sweet scent, Yuga was somewhat surprised, realizing that this Lucario's willpower was quite strong.

Even though it had escaped, it was still just a dying struggle!

"Venusaur, continue!" Yuga's voice came through to Mega Venusaur's ears.

At this point, the entire field was covered with brown roots. The roots that Mega Lucario had broken were just a small portion.

The brown roots wriggled towards Mega Lucario. Seeing this, Mega Lucario tried to jump away, but its immense energy consumption made its movements slow, and it was immediately bound by one of the roots.

Thus, Mega Lucario was lifted by a root and hung in mid-air. Other roots quickly came over and bound its limbs, neck, and waist. Lucario struggled feebly, like a lamb awaiting slaughter.

Seeing Mega Lucario bound in a "T" shape, Yuga inexplicably thought of a certain kind of embarrassing play, feeling a bit lewd.

Yuga: Am I a bit off?

"Alright, I concede." At this moment, Gurkinn's voice rang out.

Yuga then said to Mega Venusaur, "Let Lucario down, Venusaur."

As soon as the battle ended, both Pokémon reverted from their Mega Evolution forms.

"Lucario, you've worked hard."

Gurkinn helped Lucario up. However, Lucario looked at Gurkinn with an apologetic expression, feeling that it had embarrassed him. Except for the initial Aura Sphere, it had not dealt any damage to Venusaur and was instead disoriented by the sweet scent.

Gurkinn understood Lucario's feelings and comforted it with a pat on the shoulder. At his age, he no longer cared much about winning or losing a battle.

But... who exactly is this young man? Looking at the young man with his face covered by a hat and sunglasses, Gurkinn fell into contemplation.

Such a remarkable young man should have been heard of before!

"That was incredible, truly incredible! Your battle has opened my eyes. Now my research finally has new material." Professor Sycamore excitedly walked to the arena.

Yuga humbly said, "I'm glad I could help the doctor."

After the battle, Yuga and Professor Sycamore bid farewell to Gurkinn and left the Tower of Mastery.

On their way back, the tide had receded, revealing the road connecting the Tower of Mastery and the coast. The road was made of stone, so although it was wet, it was not muddy. There were even some Water-type Pokémon left on the stone path that hadn't made it back to the sea in time.

Water-type Pokémon in the Kalos region are quite different from those in the Hoenn region. Pokémon like Clawitzer and Clamperl are common here, but these are all ordinary Pokémon, and Yuga was not interested.

Thinking about Gurkinn's Lucario, Yuga said to Professor Sycamore, "I'd like to ask the professor for a favor, if possible."

Professor Sycamore readily agreed, "Sure, if I can help, I will."

Yuga then explained that he wanted to trade his Meditite and Medicham for a Lucario or a Mega Lucario.

"Oh, it's about that. I'll ask Mr. Gurkinn for you tomorrow," Professor Sycamore promised.

The two continued walking and talking. When Professor Sycamore learned that Yuga had not found accommodation, he warmly invited Yuga to stay at his place. Professor Sycamore had his own residence in Shalour City.

Thus, Yuga decided to stay in Shalour City for the night.

Professor Sycamore was also a wealthy man. His residence in Shalour City was a villa not far from the Tower of Mastery. The two walked there and arrived soon.

After returning to the villa, Professor Sycamore immediately called his research institute and had the promised Fennekin sent over.

"This is Fennekin. Please take good care of it."

Professor Sycamore handed the Poké Ball containing Fennekin to Yuga with a reluctant expression.

Yuga took the Poké Ball and released Fennekin.

Fennekin

Type: Fire

Ability: Magician

Gender: Female

Potential: Green

Level: 14

Moves: Tail Whip, Ember, Psychic Terrain, Fire Pledge.

After checking Fennekin's data, Yuga understood why Professor Sycamore was so reluctant.

Fennekin's potential was only average green, but it had the rare hidden ability Magician and had inherited the rare Psychic Terrain move.

Under Psychic Terrain, Pokémon are not affected by priority moves, and Psychic-type moves are boosted. It is a very useful skill.

Additionally, it had learned the Fire-type starter move Fire Pledge, which is quite rare.

"Fennekin!"

Fennekin looked at Yuga in confusion, then glanced at Professor Sycamore, clearly not understanding what was happening.

But that was fine. Yuga took out a special Fantasy Pokeblock from the Yuyu Daycare, and Fennekin was soon captivated by the delicious treat, warming up to Yuga.

(End of Chapter)